Bengals Statistics

Browns Statistics

CINCINNATI — Bengals left tackle Andrew Whitworth hasn’t fully recovered from offseason surgery
on his left knee, jeopardizing his chances of playing the season opener at Chicago.

The eight-year veteran has started 67 consecutive games for the Bengals, who drafted him in the
second round in 2006.

Whitworth said yesterday that it’s up to the team’s medical staff to decide whether he’s
available to play on Sunday. Whitworth was one of three players who didn’t participate in
practice.

“Just continuing to work hard,” Whitworth said. “We’re really close. We’ll just see how things
play out.”

Whitworth said the knee has been getting better.

“Oh yeah, things are better,” Whitworth said. “It’s really kind of a doctor’s decision. I keep
working hard and put my head down and that’s all I can do. So I’m doing all I can do and trying to
hold up my part.”

Coach Marvin Lewis was noncommittal about Whitworth playing.

“We’ll see how he does this week,” Lewis said. “He’s been progressing to do more and more on the
field, and that’s what we’re looking for, that both he and the medical people have a confidence
that he’s ready to go, and we’re getting closer and closer to that.”

Anthony Collins would replace Whitworth. Collins, a six-year veteran, has filled in at both
tackle spots.

Collins has started 18 games during his career, the last two in 2011 at right tackle. The
Bengals are confident he can hold his own if Whitworth is unavailable.

“Obviously we’d love to have him out there, but it’s not a concern,” quarterback Andy Dalton
said. “(Collins) has done a good job. He’s had a really good camp. He’s a player that’s been around
for a while and understands everything we’re doing. So I’m really comfortable with AC out there.”&
amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; lt; /p>

Last year, the offensive line was a work in progress after center Kyle Cook suffered a right
ankle injury during the final exhibition game. This time, the Bengals are prepared to be at less
than full strength from the outset.

“Yeah, it’s a little bit different,” Dalton said. “(Collins has) been around a long time, he’s
done a lot of really good things for us. We’ve won games with him in there. So there’s not a huge
concern.”

Roster moves

The Bengals returned veteran offensive tackle Dennis Roland to their roster and added
quarterback Greg McElroy to the practice squad.

The Bengals also said they have placed receiver Andrew Hawkins on the reserve/injured list while
recovering from an ankle injury. Hawkins was second among Bengals receivers last year in receptions
and receiving yards.